Bhubaneswar:
There was outrage in the Orissa Assembly after the shocking news of children being molested in a state-run tribal school.
The entire Assembly spoke in one voice demanding harsh punishment for teachers accused of raping and molesting students.
"Even death penalty won't be enough,'' said Pradip Maharathy, senior BJD MLA.
Last week, a lady teacher of Sevashram Residential School in Nawarangpur district
reported to the police that girl students were being molested by male faculty members of the school.
Principal P K Sahu and Assistant Teacher Iswar Bhatra were arrested for repeatedly raping students, resulting in at least two pregnancies. Three other teachers also suspected to be involved were sacked.
"Tribal society will ostracise these girls. So the government needs to adopt them and ensure they receive the best education and get jobs,'' said Congress leader Bhupinder Singh, the leader of the Opposition.
"The government will have to ensure there are women wardens in each girls' hostel,'' said S. N. Patro, the state Revenue Minister.
Every party wants the accused to be punished. But every one of them have to come together to ensure there is no repeat.